Remember the Poor

Would you give away your wedding ring if it would save someone’s life?  How about if it would save 5 or 10 lives?

This week, a friend introduced me to the web site With This Ring.  The idea is simple, yet powerful–sell your wedding ring and use the money to save  lives.  It is in keeping with Luke 12:33:  Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

I e-mailed the director of With this Ring, Ali, and she e-mailed back, signing her e-mail, “Ringless in Christ.”

I, too, am Ringless in Christ.

Several months ago, I sold my wedding set for $150, and I also sold a one-carat diamond solitaire (not high quality) on Craig’s List for $1000.  I’m sharing this information not to boast, but to give you a practical idea of what you might expect, and so you might know one way to go about selling your ring.*

This picture at right that was featured in Monday’s post is real. The girls are real.  It’s not posed or photo-shopped.  It was taken a few weeks ago in Uganda by friends of ours.  The girls are real, and they are eternal.

The picture of this diamond ring is also real.  But it is not eternal.  It can be lost, stolen, or lose its value, and will definitely be left behind when we leave planet earth.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:18

Will you join Ali and me, and others (see the Radical Givers page) who have parted with their wedding rings to save lives?

Selling something we cherish can be difficult, but is also rewarding when it is exchanged for something that is more cherished.  We must FIX our eyes, focus them purposefully, on what is unseen and eternal–and of infinitely greater value.

One last thought:  Jesus says to sell our possessions and give to the poor.  He doesn’t say, “Sell your possessions for what you originally paid, and give to the poor.”  Yes, there will be a monetary loss.  But that loss is gain in Christ.

Jesus is Lord of all we are, all we have, and yes, HE is Lord of the Rings!

NEW: Comments are open on this post.

*tips-to-sell-your-ring

A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Matthew 10:24

If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Apparently, pleasing men and serving Christ are mutually exclusive.

In 1829, George Muller said, “A servant of God has but one Master.  It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honoured in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean (of humble origin), and despised.”

And this is how he lived it out.

November 1, 1834.  “Today, our means being completely gone, we had them supplied in the following manner:–some time ago some silver spoons were given to us, which we never used, from the consideration that for servants of Christ, it was better, for the sake of example, to use cheaper ones. And for that reason we had sold our plate at Teignmouth.  Yet up to this day those spoons remained unsold.  But now, as we wanted money, we disposed of them, considering that the kind giver would not be displeased at our doing so to supply our need.”

If I really think about myself as a servant, it changes my perspective of who I am, what I will possess, and how I will live.

What does it practically mean to be a servant?  Here’s a Servant’s Checklist from THE best-selling book…the Bible.

A servant provides food to those he doesn’t know, hurries, gives his best, obeys his master, goes on journeys for his master, reports back to this master, does manual labor, offers himself as a sacrifice in place of others.

Servant of God in prayer

A servant follows the Lord wholeheartedly, is reverent before his master, listens, does not leave anything undone that his master has commanded, washes feet, sends food with people so they do not lose strength, is courageous, prays, considers himself like a dog, is ready to do his master’s bidding,  follows the master–whether it means life or death.

A servant repents of sin, confesses the sins of himself and his people, surrenders to the will of the Lord, displays the glory of God, is made a light to the whole world to bring salvation to the ends of the earth, honors his master, is obedient, is humble, has only one master, endures trouble, hardship & distress, does not try to please men, makes himself nothing,  wrestles in prayer for other believers, is kind, doesn’t quarrel, is not resentful, is respectful, and does not withhold his very life.*

1731: – John Wesley began to limit his expenses so he would have more money to give to the poor.  He records when his income doubled, he still lived on 28 pounds and gave 32 pounds away…(When) he made 120 pounds, he lived on 28, and gave 92 to the poor.

Wesley preached that Christians should not merely tithe (give 10%), but give away all extra income…  He believed that with increasing income, the Christian’s standard of giving should increase, not his standard of living.

One year his income was slightly over 1400 pounds; he gave away all but 30 pounds.   When he died in 1791, the only money mentioned in his will was the miscellaneous coins to be found in his pockets and dresser drawers.

John Wesley’s royalties at one time gave him what today would be an annual income of $160,000.  Yet he lived like someone today might at an income of $20,000.  Money, Possessions & Eternity, page 299

We have the high privilege of being servants of the King of Kings, the Master of Masters.  We live in a world in tremendous, desperate need: people who have never heard the name of Jesus, people dying from malnutrition, malaria, dirty water, unsanitary birthing conditions.

This is NOT acceptable!  I’m not the one saying it’s not acceptable! Jesus is. (Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 28:18-20)

We have the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can plant nutritious food, we have the inexpensive cure for malaria, we know how to provide clean water, and we have the medical knowledge to facilitate clean, live births.  We have the cure for each ailment listed.  We simply need to share the cure with those who need it.

Will you (and we include ourselves) look over the “servant’s checklist” and ask God what specific thing(s) He would have you do as his servant this week?  May we listen, be ready and be obedient.

Let’s Go! Outside the camp to him…–outside of our comfort, our ease, our security, our luxuries–Let’s go to him!  For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:13-16**

Let’s Go! Let’s do whatever it takes!

*Click here for verses referenced in the servant’s checklist–servanthood
**Thoughts from a sermon by John Piper

A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Matthew 10:24

If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Apparently, pleasing men and serving Christ are mutually exclusive.

In 1829, George Muller said, “A servant of God has but one Master.  It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honoured in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean (of humble origin), and despised.”

And this is how he lived it out.

November 1, 1834.  “Today, our means being completely gone, we had them supplied in the following manner:–some time ago some silver spoons were given to us, which we never used, from the consideration that for servants of Christ, it was better, for the sake of example, to use cheaper ones. And for that reason we had sold our plate at Teignmouth.  Yet up to this day those spoons remained unsold.  But now, as we wanted money, we disposed of them, considering that the kind giver would not be displeased at our doing so to supply our need.”

If I really think about myself as a servant, it changes my perspective of who I am, what I will possess, and how I will live.

What does it practically mean to be a servant?  Here’s a Servant’s Checklist from THE best-selling book…the Bible.

A servant provides food to those he doesn’t know, hurries, gives his best, obeys his master, goes on journeys for his master, reports back to this master, does manual labor, offers himself as a sacrifice in place of others.

Servant of God in prayer

A servant follows the Lord wholeheartedly, is reverent before his master, listens, does not leave anything undone that his master has commanded, washes feet, sends food with people so they do not lose strength, is courageous, prays, considers himself like a dog, is ready to do his master’s bidding,  follows the master–whether it means life or death.

A servant repents of sin, confesses the sins of himself and his people, surrenders to the will of the Lord, displays the glory of God, is made a light to the whole world to bring salvation to the ends of the earth, honors his master, is obedient, is humble, has only one master, endures trouble, hardship & distress, does not try to please men, makes himself nothing,  wrestles in prayer for other believers, is kind, doesn’t quarrel, is not resentful, is respectful, and does not withhold his very life.*

1731: – John Wesley began to limit his expenses so he would have more money to give to the poor.  He records when his income doubled, he still lived on 28 pounds and gave 32 pounds away…(When) he made 120 pounds, he lived on 28, and gave 92 to the poor.

Wesley preached that Christians should not merely tithe (give 10%), but give away all extra income…  He believed that with increasing income, the Christian’s standard of giving should increase, not his standard of living.

One year his income was slightly over 1400 pounds; he gave away all but 30 pounds.   When he died in 1791, the only money mentioned in his will was the miscellaneous coins to be found in his pockets and dresser drawers.

John Wesley’s royalties at one time gave him what today would be an annual income of $160,000.  Yet he lived like someone today might at an income of $20,000.  Money, Possessions & Eternity, page 299

We have the high privilege of being servants of the King of Kings, the Master of Masters.  We live in a world in tremendous, desperate need: people who have never heard the name of Jesus, people dying from malnutrition, malaria, dirty water, unsanitary birthing conditions.

This is NOT acceptable!  I’m not the one saying it’s not acceptable! Jesus is. (Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 28:18-20)

We have the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can plant nutritious food, we have the inexpensive cure for malaria, we know how to provide clean water, and we have the medical knowledge to facilitate clean, live births.  We have the cure for each ailment listed.  We simply need to share the cure with those who need it.

Will you (and we include ourselves) look over the “servant’s checklist” and ask God what specific thing(s) He would have you do as his servant this week?  May we listen, be ready and be obedient.

Let’s Go! Outside the camp to him…–outside of our comfort, our ease, our security, our luxuries–Let’s go to him!  For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:13-16**

Let’s Go! Let’s do whatever it takes!

*Click here for verses referenced in the servant’s checklist–servanthood
**Thoughts from a sermon by John Piper

Below are the reflections from people who participated in Rice/Bean week.  Interesting and insightful to read their thoughts.

I have a new understanding.  And that understanding has left me heartbroken.

Having just finished eating rice and beans for a week, I am here to say, this was not what I expected.  Honestly, I thought for a week I could handle it.  I like rice. I like beans. I was eating…but I was tired and weak, and I really wanted an apple or anything other than rice and beans.  And I was hungry sometimes, even though I was eating rice and beans.

I am realizing at some level that I thought it was ok to feed the hungry rice and beans at every meal…at least “they” weren’t starving.

THIS is not acceptable.

I am heartbroken for those who are mal-nourished, deprived, tired. God created a vast assortment of foods that taste good, that nourish us.  He could have created only rice and beans, but He didn’t.  He created an overwhelming variety for our enjoyment. (God) richly provides everything for our enjoyment. I Tim 6:17 *

It was certainly easier for me, since I only had to cook once or twice. However, I realized what it was like to not be able to give my children what they wanted. That was the hardest part.

It was a tough week for us last week when we did it, and I recall lots of complaints (and some cheating!) by my children. But at the end of the week we debriefed and they all said it was hard but they would now have an appreciation for those who have nothing………….and they would always remember. I pray that is true for all of us.

What if we learned our lesson on day 1? 🙂

Shiela (with maize & beans) & Callie

Day 1: You said you wanted our thoughts this week…well, I do not like rice and beans week!

Day 3: OK, you’ve gotten through day three.  Is it any easier than day 1 or 2?   I feel like I’m a subject of a science experiment…Just wondering if it starts getting easier…the beans thing, that is.  Boy, we are so spoiled…Oh, today is day 1 of the kids taking beans and rice to school.  That should be interesting…

Yesterday after the book fare, everyone wanted to go eat, so I said we had to eat Mexican, and all I had was a big plate of rice and beans.  That was actually pretty good though.  And it was a great witness, as I was able to share with them what I was doing.

I have had lots of thoughts as I’ve been denying myself the pleasure of normal food.  What makes me deserve to eat delicious fruits and vegetables?  Why am I so special that I should get to eat bread, pasta, chicken, beef?  I have been so humbled and grateful that for whatever reason God has decided to bless me to live in this country and to have food IN ABUNDANCE.

When I stop to think about the fact that most people would be happy to have rice and beans 3 times each and every day, it makes me want to do something about it. God is certainly teaching me more about that.

Also, we have decided not to give only rice and beans to our 3 and almost 2 year old.  They wouldn’t understand “why” anyway!  This has been one aspect of the exercise that has been interesting.  Since I am still feeding them their normal diet, I am surrounded by delicious food all day, breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner.  I have been tempted at every single meal to give up and be done.  Just one bite of their sandwich, just one bite of their apple, just one drink of their fruit smoothie.  But each meal I have prayed that God would give me the strength to endure so that I would get a glimpse of what so many people eat for their entire lives.  He has been faithful and I have been faithful to my commitment.

Serving food to my kids has been interesting because there are times when they are teaching me.  One day my son “randomly” started singing a prayer, “thank you God, thank you God, for our lunch!”  I struggled because I didn’t want to say thank you because I wasn’t enjoying my rice and beans…but I decided to be thankful anyway and God changed my heart right then and there!  Oh the lessons of a 3 year old!

Also there have been times when he has complained that he didn’t like what he was served.  Is this how I respond to God when he lavishly gives me so much more than I need?  When he was ungrateful I saw myself at times not being thankful for the many many many good things He has given me.  What mercy that God would show this to me!

So, I know this is a lot, probably more than you were asking for, but that’s what God has been teaching me in a nutshell.  Ohh, nuts sound good to eat right about now! 🙂

About the beans and rice, I did five days, and they were VERY challenging but I am now so much more aware of what it must be like to live there. I was hungry almost all the time and just couldn’t get enough beans and rice to fill me up! I am surrounded by poverty here (Peru) but it is still one thing to see it and another thing to experience it with the food.

Shiela- sponsored as of 2/3/2009

The company that I work for has been terminating people all this month (January). Some are young people with families, some older people who will have a hard time getting a job because employers don’t want to hire older people. Some are my friends.

My heart has been torn by this. I mentioned to my boss that I was feeling a bit emotional, and he told me there is no place for emotions in the office. So fasting has made me think even more than usual of all those hard-working people in our company and all over the country and all over the world who are losing their jobs, and the fear and anxiety that permeate their thoughts and actions, and the fact that some of them may get to a point that they can’t afford food.

Then I think of all those people who never had anything, and how hard their daily lives have always been. I pray for all the people of the world — for peace, for nourishment, for meaningful work, for good to overcome evil. I thank the Lord for all I have. And last week I instituted a new ritual to be said after grace before our evening meal: we each name one thing that gave us joy today.

MYSELF (not Frank or Cindy)

UGANDAN ORPHANS

A student carved this into a desk at the Nkumba, Uganda schools. Thanks Callie for the photo!

shared by Cindy May

I have a new understanding.  And that understanding has left me heartbroken.

Having just finished eating rice and beans for a week, I am here to say, this was not what I expected.  Honestly, I thought for a week I could handle it.  I like rice. I like beans. I was eating…but I was tired and weak, and I really wanted an apple or anything other than rice and beans.  And I was hungry sometimes, even though I was eating rice and beans.

Joshua is a better man than I am!

I am realizing at some level that I thought it was ok to feed the hungry rice and beans at every meal…at least “they” weren’t starving.

THIS is not acceptable.

I am heartbroken for those who are mal-nourished, deprived, tired. God created a vast assortment of foods that taste good, that nourish us.  He could have created only rice and beans, but He didn’t.  He created an overwhelming variety for our enjoyment. (God) richly provides everything for our enjoyment. I Tim 6:17 *

So, what to do?

I have two core beliefs–first that God has provided enough to meet every need, and second, that as we obey God’s commands, their needs and our own will be met. 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

With God, there is no shortage.2 Cor 9:8-10

Notice the "door" to her home in the slums...it's a piece of fabric.

Throughout the rest of 2009, we’ll be looking at a variety of Jesus’ commands (If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.), and prayerfully taking action to obey them!

Here’s the first one for this week:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…  Matt 6:25-33

But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” Hebrews 10:38

Will you take time to pray and ask God if He would like you to take a step of faith, trust Him for tomorrow, and take money out of your retirement or savings account to meet the needs of others?  Ask God, and listen.  When you’ve listened and heard, then obey.

God does not expect us to argue with Him when He tells us to do something.  He doesn’t expect us to apply human logic to our circumstances.  He simply expects us to obey and trust Him.  I have found that whenever we step out in obedience to God’s voice, miracles follow~ Brother Yun, Living Water

If she were Jesus, would you share your retirement fund with her? Matt 25:31-46

Christ never said being his disciple would cost nothing.  Following Him comes at personal cost in this short life, but great gain in the next.  Penalties may be paid when money is withdrawn from retirement accounts.  But the eternal rewards will far outweigh the penalties.

We are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  If we or our children were hungry, would we take something out of our retirement program to feed them? If so, why wouldn’t we consider doing this for our neighbor’s children? Pg 334

The truth is, we really don’t need retirement programs.  As God’s children, we don’t need them.  Our brothers and sisters in other ages didn’t have retirement programs, and neither do most Christians today in other places.  Yet they’ve found God absolutely sufficient to meet their needs. Pg 337

Randy Alcorn- Money, Possessions & Eternity

A "real" school bus is now required. I doubt any of us would want our children traveling this way!

This week, we made a list of the things needed in Nkumba.  This is going to be exciting as we see our obedience meet needs!  Your enthusiasm will stir most others to action! 2 Cor 9:2

These are listed in order of priority:

• A school bus–if they continue to drive children to school in the lorry,  John will be imprisoned.  1000 children, 1 school bus. $40,000
• Chicken coops & stables–$10,000
• 1000 laying chickens, 8 milking cows, 4 goats– $500/cow, $20/pair of chickens, $250/goat
• A kitchen at the school with power, running water, etc. $16,000
• Sponsors for an additional 135 children- $42/month per child
• 10 acres of land (adjacent to the 30) to plant avocado & mango trees $1200/acre
• 350 avocado & mango trees- $2 to $3 per tree
• Used dual-cab truck for prison evangelism.  Currently they rely on public transportation to travel to remote prisons.  Nightmare!  And we’re asking for the dual cab–not John.   Seggy, Mark, Frank and others have piled in the back of the single-cab truck (which they no longer have), in pouring rain. $14,000
• Prison ministry- an additional $500/month will allow for expanded  evangelism
• Dormitories, beds, and toilet facilities to care for 65 street kids- $770 per child ($50,000)
• A vocational school is needed–costs not estimated yet

All said and done, that’s only $231,740 for the year.  Only $216 per child!!!!!  Or 59 cents a day per child.

And, not only the children are being helped, but more than 20,000 prisoners are hearing the gospel of Christ, being discipled in Christ, leaving prison and starting churches!

*pg 35,36 The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus

Brother Yun, Living Water, pages 236-238.

If you claim to have faith in Jesus, then you can prove it by showing us your deeds.  When you stand before the judgment seat of Christ, do you expect to be judged according to “your heart”? Is this biblical?

Jesus didn’t tell the Sardinians that He knew their hearts.  Rather, He told them, “I know your deeds…I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God” (Rev 3:1-2).  To the Loadiceans He said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other!” (Rev. 3:15)

The Ephesians were similarly told, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance” (Rev 2:2) while to the church in Thyatria our risen Lord said, “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” (Rev 2:19)

Jesus doesn’t expect you to sit on your backside for the rest of your life while you try to perfect your doctrine.  Rather, He wants you to get busy in His harvest field, sharing the life of Jesus with those who know nothing about Him.

Does this mean that we can get into heaven solely by performing good deeds?  Of course not!

It is only by the blood of our precious Lord Jesus that our sins are forgiven and we are restored to right relationship with our heavenly Father.

However, if you really have been born again, the evidence that your faith is genuine is demonstrated by whether or not you have gone and borne fruit for the kingdom of God.  If you really know God, you will be serving His purposes and working for His kingdom.  You won’t be able to sit around while the world goes to hell.

Perhaps James stated it most clearly for us:  “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

The Spirit of God amazes me.  As I was praying about what He wanted me to post, He provided something soooo good, I couldn’t wait to share it!

Christmas with the orphans in Gulu--an annual soda is a special treat.

Katie Davis returned to Uganda last week, and she just updated her blog.  We’ve shared a few of her posts with you previously.  Interestingly, in this post, she talks about eating rice & beans.  Hmmm….coincidence?

I know we’re all busy, but I hope that you can take the 5 minutes it will take to read this post…maybe at dinner-time with your family.  I don’t think you’ll regret having done so!

Read Katie’s January 24th post here. By the way, the “May” family mentioned in her post is not us!

Back to Rice & Beans & Water week.  We cooked up a pot of beans and a pot of rice over the weekend.  That’s what’s in our frig! 🙂 With just two of us, we should be able to eat on $8 for the week (incredible, huh?!), giving the balance of our normal food budget to those in need.

There are 10 families so far who are participating.  It’s not too late to join us.  If you do, will you let us know?

If you didn’t have a chance to read about rice & beans week, check out the post, Identification, please.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

The Spirit of God amazes me.  As I was praying about what He wanted me to post, He provided something soooo good, I couldn’t wait to share it!

Christmas with the orphans in Gulu--an annual soda is a special treat.

Katie Davis returned to Uganda last week, and she just updated her blog.  We’ve shared a few of her posts with you previously.  Interestingly, in this post, she talks about eating rice & beans.  Hmmm….coincidence?

I know we’re all busy, but I hope that you can take the 5 minutes it will take to read this post…maybe at dinner-time with your family.  I don’t think you’ll regret having done so!

Read Katie’s January 24th post here. By the way, the “May” family mentioned in her post is not us!

Back to Rice & Beans & Water week.  We cooked up a pot of beans and a pot of rice over the weekend.  That’s what’s in our frig! 🙂 With just two of us, we should be able to eat on $8 for the week (incredible, huh?!), giving the balance of our normal food budget to those in need.

There are 10 families so far who are participating.  It’s not too late to join us.  If you do, will you let us know?

If you didn’t have a chance to read about rice & beans week, check out the post, Identification, please.

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity. Psalm 68:5,6

Callie is 20.  She just returned from 2 weeks in Nkumba, Uganda with John, Seggy, Mark and others.  And this is what she wrote…

I wish I could begin to explain what I have been through these past two weeks, but words cannot begin to express the fullness of my heart.

Think of the saddest, most heart-wrenching story you’ve ever heard…what kind of compassion did you feel for the owner of that story? Now multiply that one hundred times.

Every single person in Uganda has such a story. Everyday, people would come to us, tell their stories and ask for prayer. The thankfulness expressed for my mere presence was so humbling and made me feel ashamed.

Most babies don't have diapers, and many have herniated belly buttons mostly due to lack of nutrition.

Here I was in Uganda, suddenly looked upon as a leader and messenger of God’s love, yet so selfish and undeserving. Until you have experienced a trip like this for yourself, it is impossible to understand.

The richness of our country is suddenly overwhelming…as is the selfishness. I have a new contempt for my lifestyle. I live in a mansion. Toilet paper is a luxury. Underwear is a luxury. Ice is a luxury. The smallest everyday items that even the poorest families in the US have…they are luxuries.

Before I left for Uganda, a friend who had been to Africa last summer sent me a link to a music video by Brooke Fraser for a song called Albertine. Suddenly the lyrics have real meaning.

“Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead… (click below to listen to the song)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:16-18

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. I John 5:3

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Pastor Experito's release. And all the people of the land rejoiced! (2 Kings 11:20)

Pastor Experito is from northern Uganda (Gulu) and was here in the U.S. in the fall.  He was in Arizona for a little over a month.

“While I was in the police cells, 12 prisoners were saved!”

You cannot ever imagine how much I long for you brethren. You were a real blessing to my life and ministry. I appreciate your prayers for me when you learnt that I had been put in police cells.

There was a conspiracy that was planned against me even before I left for USA. Many people who could not afford to educate their kids and also feed them began to make false accusations that I was doing human trafficking.

Crowd-surfing in Uganda!

This is because they were seeing the kids in our programs changed and transformed yet we could not handle the needs of the majority of the needy kids.

They began to allege that the kids which we were educating were victims of my evil deals. The blackmail was too much but the case was brought before the magistrate before whom I was granted bail. God availed me a competent lawyer who is carrying the legal battles

We  had a very encouraging meeting with pastor John at Nkumba this morning. He called me to encourage and pray with me, in spite of the tight schedule he had with the pastor’s conference going on.

Please be at liberty to share whatever I tell you. There is no copyright on God’s mighty works. While I was in the police cells 12 prisoners got saved. The police officials told me they were monitoring my presence in the cell and it helped to instill change in the prisoners dramatically!

Greet all,
Experito

When I called Gulu (northern Uganda) last week, I spoke with members of Experito’s church.  I asked if he had what he needed while he was in custody. (I had in mind physical provisions- blanket, food, etc).  They said, “All he asked for was his Bible, and we’ve taken him that.”

Nkumba update:

• 780 pastors at their annual pastor’s conference this past week!
• 15 children waiting for sponsorship, six from the Congo (some refugees from the Congo are fleeing into Uganda)
• 65 street children awaiting a home
• Will you pray with us for God’s provision for a car/truck for the ministry?  Traveling to the prisons is proving to be quite difficult, relying on public transportation.
• No pictures right now–the camera is having difficulty, but donated cameras are arriving soon!

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.  If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.~ The Apostle Paul–falsely accused. 2 Corinthians 12:15, 16